Large ships ordered away from ports in path of Hurricane Irene

Sightseers stroll along a pier as a cruise ship heads out to sea in Jersey City, N.J., on Saturday, August 27. In anticipation of strong winds generated by Hurricane Irene, the Coast Guard ordered large ships, over 500 tons, out of port no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Jonathan D. Woods / msnbc.com

A sightseer captures the dramatic storm clouds above the New York City skyline as Hurricane Irene approaches Saturday.